Ueno Zoological Park in Ueno, Tokyo, was the first zoo established in Japan, and is crowded with many parents, children, and tourists as one of the most inexpensive zoos in Japan.
Since it is a metropolitan zoo, it is open free on some days, making it an amusement facility that is easy on the wallet for large families who want to visit the zoo and bring smiles to the children's faces.
In this article, I, a Tokyo resident, will tell you how much tickets to the Ueno Zoo cost and whether they can be purchased online, such as via smartphone.
The admission fee to the Ueno Zoo is 600 yen
Below is a table of ticket prices at the Ueno Zoo. Although the admission fee for high school students and older is 600 yen, it is by far the cheapest compared to other zoos and aquariums because it is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
In addition, although there is a 200 yen admission fee for junior high school students, it is free for those who live or attend school in Tokyo, and admission is free for elementary school students and younger. This makes it a great place for families with children to enjoy a day of fun at a reasonable price.
＜Ueno Zoo Ticket Prices>
| General (High school students and above) | 65 years old and over | Junior high school students | |
| Ticket Price | ¥600 | ¥200 | ¥200 |
| Junior high school students (Residents and students in Tokyo) | Up to 6th grade elementary school students | Persons with disabilities | |
| Ticket Price | Free | Free | Free |
*Note that persons 65 years of age or older and junior high school students require an ID card to prove their age. Be sure to bring your student ID, insurance card, passport, etc.
The Ueno Zoo also has free admission days!
In addition, the Ueno Zoo has several days when the zoo is open to the public for free.
Admissions are free on the following days
＜Ueno Zoo Free Open Days＞
●March 20: Anniversary of the opening of the park
●May 4: Greenery Day
●May 5: Children's Day (*Admission is free for junior high school students even if they do not live or attend school in Tokyo)
●October 1: Citizens' Day
●September 15 - 21: Senior Citizens Week period (*Free admission for those 60 years of age or older and one accompanying adult)
Although free admission days have the disadvantage of being crowded, some people use the money they save to make happy memories, such as eating a fancy lunch or buying a souvenir of a cute animal. It is also a good idea to visit the zoo on free admission days.
How to purchase tickets to the Ueno Zoo
Tickets for admission to the Ueno Zoo can be purchased at the ticket counter on the day of your visit.
However, since the zoo is very popular, it is often crowded, including on weekends and holidays, so it is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance.
▼ Ueno Zoo Official Online Ticket Purchase Website
https://www.asoview.com/channel/ticket/5ciQtROJoA/ticket0000028208/
Purchasing online tickets will save you time as you do not have to wait in long lines to purchase tickets.
You can enter the zoo by simply showing the QR code on your smartphone, so if you are interested in purchasing tickets online, please consider doing so.
*Note that the payment methods available on the online ticket purchase site are credit card only (Visa, Mastercard, JCB). Those who wish to purchase tickets with cash, electronic money (transportation IC, PayPay, LINEPay, Alipay, WeChatPay), or credit cards that are not accepted online (American Express, Diners Club, Discover), please make your purchase at the counter on the day of your visit.
*Also, since the business hours may change from day to day, be sure to check the official website for business hours, holidays, etc. before purchasing tickets online.
▼ Click here for the official website of the Ueno Zoo
https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/zoo/ueno/hours.html
Enjoy your memories at the Ueno Zoo!
As you can see, Ueno Zoo is an inexpensive and enjoyable spot for relaxation.
If you have a fixed date to visit the zoo, it would be smoother to purchase tickets online in advance.
Online tickets can be purchased even after you arrive at the zoo, as long as you have a smartphone and an Internet connection, so you can use it even if you just dropped by because I had some time to kill while sightseeing in Tokyo.
Please take this opportunity to visit the Ueno Zoo and see pandas, elephants, polar bears, giraffes, and other popular animals up close!
▼ Ueno Zoo
Address: 9-83 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm (*Last entry by 4:00 pm)
Closed: Mondays (*the following day if Monday is a national holiday) / Year-end and New Year holidays (*December 29 - January 1)
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, 10-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station on the Keisei Electric Railway Line, 12-minute walk from Ueno Station on the Tokyo Metro Line 12 min. walk from Tokyo Metro Ueno Station, 15 min. walk from Toei Subway Ueno-okachimachi Station.
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